Designate a leash-free zone for dogs at natural areas

May 12, 2013

Everyone knows that Fort Collins is especially bike friendly. The same is true of dog friendliness. Just notice the number of well-behaved dogs on leashes the next time you visit Old Town. The bike friendliness is obvious with the number of trails, bike paths and lanes available within Fort Collins.

One can only assume that there’s a budget for construction and maintenance, but the same is not true for dogs. Last week’s letter from Helen Taylor (“Give dogs a break and trust owners more,” May 8) raises a good point — one that I agree with wholeheartedly. Why not designate a single area within the natural areas where dogs can exercise leash-free? One example is the southeast portion of Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, accessible from Cherly Street (off Summit View Drive).

There are no paths, the ground is level and open, and the area is bounded by natural barriers, so dogs could not wander from the owners’ sight. Granted, there are a few weeks in late spring when three to four pairs of nesting Canada geese would put the area “out of bounds,” but otherwise, it’s a wonderful place where dogs could run free, always be in sight and sound control, and even the owners could get some exercise.

There is an information kiosk at the entrance where rules could be posted. There are disposal bags and trash receptacles there. Nothing more is required. No cost, no brainer.